Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine

The Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New England. As a National Historic Landmark it is owned and administered by the State of Connecticut.

Old New-Gate Mine was opened early in the 18th century as the nation's first chartered copper mine. Although it is considered the birthplace of the American copper industry, it was not profitable, and it was closed. Some years later the Colony of Connecticut started to use the abandoned tunnels as the country's 1st state prison. The 1st prisoner was convicted burglar John Hinson. He was also the 1st prisoner who escaped the new jail. During the Revolutionary War, Tories and Loyalists were held at the Old New-Gate Prison.

Tours start at the prison yard. The former guardhouse contains a small museum explaining the history of the Old New-Gate Prison. A video is shown before the visitors enter the mine.